TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-Saudi Arabia has shown its intention to increase investment in Indonesia, particularly in tourism and financial sectors.

Saudi Arabia’s intention was conveyed by Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during his courtesy visit to President Joko Widodo yesterday at Bogor Palace.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said, who is also the communication minister of Indonesia-Saudi Arabia, stated that Saudi Arabia is interested to invest in three tourism special economic zones (SEZs), namely Mandalika in Lombok, Tanjunglesung in Banten, and West Sumatra.

To boost the investments' portfolio, Saudi has had talks about the possibility of cooperation in financial investment with PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (PT SMI), the state-owned infrastructure finance company.

“All in all, we are glad that the plans we prepared have materialized. Hopefully, Prince Al-Waleed’s visit will strengthen the future steps [to be taken] and for his commitment to private sector [development] will be in accordance with what is carried out by Saudi Arabia government,” Sudirman said.

President Joko Widodo, welcomed the courtesy visit of Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud yesterday at Bogor Palace.

The Prince’s entourage include the Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Indonesia Mustafa Ibrahim Al Mubarak, Executive Manager for International Relations Hassna Fahad Alturki, Head of Travel and External Affairs Department Hani Agha, Senior Executive Assistant to H.R.H. Prince Al-Waleed Fahad Al Otaibi, as well as Travel and External Affairs Department Coordinator Reem Almorshed.

Whereas President Joko Widodo was accompanied by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Energy and Mineral Resources Sudirman Said, State Secretary Minister Pratikno, and Indonesian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Agus Maftuh Abegebriel.

ANTARA